In a world of bite-sized, 280-character tweets and short video clips on TikTok, it’s sometimes hard to imagine that people used to sit down for hours at a time to read books. People still do, of course, but attention spans are getting shorter and shorter in the age of social media.
That’s why it’s so important to create engaging and high-quality content that catches people’s attention.
Quality content is engaging because it’s created for a specific audience, intending to provide value to readers and gain loyal followers. It keeps readers coming back for more, which improves search engine rankings and brings an influx of traffic your way.
But sometimes, it becomes difficult to distinguish what works and what doesn’t, particularly because the line between the two is very thin. So, to help you create high-quality content at all times, here are a few things to keep in mind.
What works when creating quality content?
When it comes to creating quality content, there are many factors to take into consideration. Some of the most important aspects to think about are using your voice, providing value, and sticking to a schedule.
Using Your Voice
Using your voice is very important because it helps establish trust between you and your readers. Readers like to feel as though they know the writer personally and when you use your own voice, it makes that connection all the more real.
Your voice should be heard, seen, and felt across the different kinds of content that you create. It shouldn’t matter if it’s for the blogs on your website or the commercials you have on the video ad marketplace — your voice should resonate throughout. This will help your audience feel connected to you and encourage them to follow you on various social media sites.
Providing Value
There are many ways to provide value to your readers, but the most important part of doing so is by having a goal. Answering reader questions or creating content that focuses on a single topic are just a few ways to provide value, but be sure to have a goal in mind before you start.
Once you have your goals set, try to deliver content that’s relevant to your audience. This will keep them interested and coming back for more, which builds a loyal following.
Sticking to a Schedule
It can be tempting to put out content on a whim, but this method doesn’t work very well. Instead, you should set up a schedule and stick to it. When you have a schedule in place, you’re less likely to miss a deadline and your audience will appreciate your dedication.
It’s also easier to craft quality content when you know what you’re working with ahead of time. So, if possible, try to stick to a consistent schedule that lets you craft your content in advance and keep it ready to go.
What doesn’t work when creating quality content?
Just as many things do work when crafting high-quality content, several things don’t work. Some of the most common pitfalls include basing your content around frequently searched keywords, not planning, and not focusing on your audience.
Basing Your Content On Keywords
This mistake is very common among people who are just starting. Content creators often want to use the same keywords that are being searched on Google, but this doesn’t work very well. First of all, Google is constantly updating its algorithm, so your keyword strategy could become obsolete at any time.
Another thing to keep in mind is that readers aren’t stupid. If they feel like you’re using keywords just for the sake of it, they’ll stop following you and you’ll lose their trust. This is why using your voice and providing quality content are such important aspects when creating high-quality content.
Not Planning Your Strategy
It’s also important not to put out content randomly, which can make it much harder to create quality content. Instead, you should plan and keep your work organized by creating an editorial calendar. This will help you organize your content and prepare for any major updates, as well as provide a clear structure so you can start working right away.
Not Focusing on Your Audience
Creating content without thinking about your audience is a big mistake. The more you relate to them and speak their language, the better. If you’re not familiar with them or think that they don’t want to hear from you, then they’ll stop following you and your content won’t be as effective.
Focusing on your audience is the best way to ensure that you’re providing them with quality content that they want to read, see, or watch. So, to stay in touch with your audience, always ask yourself “who is my audience?”
Quality content is key to a successful blog or website, and to produce that, you need to understand what works and what doesn’t. By following these tips, you’ll be able to create engaging and valuable content that your audience will love.
